@article {24996,
	title = {Athabasca Tribal Council, possible contaminants in fish species of the Wood Buffalo Region, Alberta, Canada: First Nations environmental contaminants program. Final report},
	year = {2003},
	note = {Biological consultants; Aboriginal group commissioned by Government. Preliminary study},
	abstract = {First Nation people traditionally obtain their food by hunting and fishing. In highly developed areas, these traditional activities may put First Nations at risk due to potential exposure to industrial pollution.  The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) First Nation communities in the Wood Buffalo Region are at particular risk due to the scale of industrial development in the region. First Nations are very concerned about pollution in the region and the effects it may be having on fish and wildlife, and their health as they continue to consume these traditional foods. The contamination of local fish and fishing lakes is of particular concern, as fishing continues to be an important cultural practice and food source in the region. Community consultations with the Mikisew Cree First Nation and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation indicated concerns and reluctance to consume traditional fish species. This will be a preliminary study to determine if there are potential contaminates in local fish populations. The study will focus on levels of trace metals as these are of particular concern to the community.  The Mikisew Cree First Nation and Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation indicated fish species of concern including pickerel (walleye), lake trout, whitefish (Lake Whitefish) and jackfish (northern pike). As community members consume these fish, it was important to determine if any potential contaminates were present in the fish. It was proposed to collect fish from First Nation fishermen and analyze these fish for specific parameters, including heavy metals, PCB{\textquoteright}s and organo-chlorines.  Mercury was of particular concern because its tendency to bio-accumulate in fish. There are also current fish consumption advisories for fish from the Athabasca River (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, 2003). Organo-chlorines were of concern due to their persistent and bio-accumulative nature, and toxicity to aquatic species. Although there were no anticipated local sources of organo-chlorines, they were of concern due to long transport and subsequent deposition in northern ecosystems. This was designed as a preliminary study to determine if there were potential contaminates in local fish populations.  Specific study objectives include: to address ongoing community concerns concerning contamination of local fish and consumption safety; to involve local community members in the sampling program and promote capacity building; to compare metal residues in fish flesh against safety guidelines; and to provide baseline information for future monitoring programs.},
	keywords = {Aboriginal traditional use history, contamination of local fish and wildlife, fish species, industrial pollution, traditional foods}
}
